Youngest Pilot Sakshi Kochhar Shatters Barriers
In various industries traditionally dominated by men, women are making their mark. One such inspiring individual is 18-year-old Sakshi Kochhar, who has made headlines for becoming India’s youngest pilot. Interestingly, Sakshi had never operated any other vehicle before, but she fearlessly took on an airplane for the first time and successfully landed it.
Sakshi Kochhar, hailing from Parwanoo in Himachal Pradesh, defied all odds to obtain her commercial pilot license. Choosing Math and Physics for her class 12 education at Chandigarh’s Government Model Senior Secondary School, Sakshi pursued her dream of becoming a pilot. Even though she had a passion for dancing and secured the first runner-up position in a state competition, her strong drive to achieve greatness as a pilot prevailed.
Supported by her family, Sakshi Kochhar expressed gratitude for their love and encouragement. Aware of the high cost of aviation courses, she spent around 70 lakh rupees to obtain her Commercial Pilot License (CPL). Once she secures a job, Sakshi plans to repay her parents. She considers herself fortunate to have grown up in a caring family consisting of her grandparents, parents, and elder brother, who always nurtured her aspirations.
To pursue her dream, Sakshi Kochhar embarked on a journey of 8,500 kilometers to the United States, where she achieved her goal of obtaining a commercial pilot license on her 18th birthday. Remarkably, she accomplished this feat in just seven and a half months, making her the youngest commercial pilot in India. It’s worth noting that her mentor-captain, Dr. AD Manek, who also trained the youngest commercial pilot at the age of 19, supported her throughout her journey. Before Sakshi’s remarkable achievement, Maitri Patel, a farmer’s daughter from Surat, held the prestigious title.
–Re-reported from the article originally published in India.com
